Expressing discontent over demolition of remains of a centuries-old Jain temple in Lahore in Pakistan, members of Jain community today urged the Centre to raise the issue with the neighbouring country.
They also demanded that steps be taken to find and bring back the idols from the demolished temple.
"We have sent an e-mail to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj requesting her to find out through Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi that whether idols of the demolished temple at Lahore's Anarkali Market are safe or not as they hold immense religious and historical importance for us," Jain Yuva Sangthan coordinator, Anurodh Lalit Jain told PTI.
If these idols are safe, then process should be initiated to bring them back to India, so that they can be established in a temple in the country with due respect, Jain said.
"The Jain community temple, which was demolished in Lahore is nearly 1000-year-old. It is unfortunate that the Pakistan's Punjab Province government targeted the temple, which propagates the message of non-violence and tolerance, by violating court orders. This ill-intentioned step was taken to clear way for a metro line," he said.
The authorities in Pakistan's Punjab province last week demolished the remains of the already damaged centuries-old Jain temple, notwithstanding a court order, to pave the way for a controversial metro line project.
Located near famous Anarkali Bazaar of old city, mob had damaged Jain Mandir in 1992 after the demolition of Babari Mosque in India.
The temple was being used these days for some commercial purposes like shops and the office of the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) and a private filling station before its was completely destroyed.
